The documentary Radical Brownies follows the creation of a youth group for eight to 12-year-old girls of colour – the Radical Monarchs. A social justice-oriented alternative to the Girl Scouts, the Monarchs still earn badges but not for sewing or selling cookies. Instead their badges are for units on issues such as Black Lives Matter, Radical Beauty, being an LGBTQ Ally and environmental justice.
Though the group does some of the things that the Girl Scout movement normally would, this new group also gives them respect and pride in being young girls of colour, and teaches them respect for everyone else.
The Monarchs are not without controversy - the founders of the troop have been criticised by some for brainwashing their children, or unnecessarily segregating them. However their welcome in the Oakland community and the demand from all across the USA for similar groups suggests that they’ve tapped into something.
We’d like to hear about other groups or programmes that are empowering young girls. Whether it’s something like FearlesslyKind or Girls out loud, wherever you are in the world share your photos, stories and experiences with us.
You can do so by filling in the form below, anonymously if you wish. We’ll feature some of your responses in our reporting.
